In case anyone was still under the illusion that manga is just “cute drawings,” welcome to 2026—where manga is a billion-yen industry and mangaka quietly out-earn celebrities, athletes, and probably your entire hometown combined.

These creators didn’t just draw stories; they built empires. If you’ve ever wondered how being the richest manga artist happens, the answer is simple: create something legendary, never stop selling it, and let merch, anime, and global fandoms do the rest.

Below is the updated, still-ridiculous list of Japan’s richest manga artists, who have somehow turned black ink into unlimited money.

The Ten Richest Manga Artists in Japan (2026)

Eiichiro Oda

Eiichiro Oda Draws Luffy | Thank You Shonen Jump Members!Eiichiro Oda Draws Luffy | Thank You Shonen Jump Members!

Yes, still number one. Still unstoppable. One Piece continues to rake in profits, much like it’s a public service. With an estimated net worth hovering around $230 million, Oda remains the undisputed king. At this point, the real mystery isn’t the One Piece—it’s how he’s stayed on top for decades.

Eiichiro Oda’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artist: Eiichiro Oda
  • Manga:- One piece
  •  Net Worth:- $230 million

Akira Toriyama

Akira Toriyama Interview 1983 (Translated) - Tetsuko’s RoomAkira Toriyama Interview 1983 (Translated) – Tetsuko’s Room

The godfather of modern manga and anime. Dragon Ball didn’t just change the industry; it basically created it. With global sales, games, and endless adaptations, Toriyama’s fortune sits comfortably around $55–57 million. Timeless power levels, timeless income.

Akira Toriyama’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artists:- Akira Toriyama
  • Manga:- Dragon ball 
  • Net Worth:- $55 Million

Gosho Aoyama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_00VVyW25w

If solving crimes paid this well, we’d all be detectives. Detective Conan continues to dominate manga and anime with over a thousand episodes and counting. Aoyama’s estimated $50 million proves mysteries age very, very well.

Gosho Aoyama’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artists:- Gosho Aoyama
  • Manga:- Detective Conan
  •  Net Worth:- $50 million

Hajime Isayama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNLluI6phKw

Rejected once, legendary forever. Attack on Titan became a global phenomenon, turning existential dread into premium entertainment. With royalties and adaptations stacked high, Isayama’s wealth sits around $45 million, making him one of the most influential creators of his generation.

Hajime Isayama’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artists:- Hajime Isayama
  • Manga:- Attack on Titan
  • Net Worth:- $45 million

Yoshihiro Togashi

Yoshihiro Togashi DrawingYoshihiro Togashi Drawing

Creator of Hunter x Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho, and living proof that releasing chapters occasionally is still wildly profitable. Even with long breaks, Togashi remains one of the most respected names in the industry—and his bank account agrees.

Yoshihiro Togashi’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artists: Yoshihiro Togashi
  • Manga:- Hunter x Hunter
  • Net Worth:- $30 million

Masashi Kishimoto

Naruto: Meet the Creator -Masashi Kishimoto 2015 interview [English]Naruto: Meet the Creator -Masashi Kishimoto 2015 interview [English]

The man who made ninjas a global business. Naruto sold over 250 million copies worldwide and continues to live on through sequels, spin-offs, and pure nostalgia. Believe it—or not—Kishimoto’s earnings are still climbing.

Masashi Kishimoto’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artists:- Masashi Kishimoto
  • Manga:- Naruto
  • Net Worth:- $25 Million

Hirohiko Araki

Araki Hirohiko Interview: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 1/3Araki Hirohiko Interview: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 1/3

Timeless art style. Timeless vampires. Timeless income. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has crossed generations without losing relevance, and Araki somehow hasn’t aged either. Fashion icon, manga legend, and still cashing checks.

Hirohiko Araki’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artists:- Hirohiko Araki
  • Manga:- JoJo’s Bizarre 
  • Net Worth:- $13 million

Yoichi Takahashi

Direct Talk-Yoichi Takahashi interviewDirect Talk-Yoichi Takahashi interview

The reason half of Japan wanted to play football. Captain Tsubasa didn’t just entertain—it influenced real-world athletes and sports culture. Decades later, it’s still scoring goals financially.

Yoichi Takahashi’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artists:- Yoichi Takahashi
  • Manga:- Captain Tsubasa
  • Net Worth:- $6 Million

Keisuke Itagaki

ADVENTURE KING 板垣恵介ADVENTURE KING 板垣恵介

Creator of Baki the Grappler, where physics fear for their lives. Extreme muscles, extreme fights, and surprisingly extreme profits. Thanks to anime adaptations and global streaming, Itagaki’s punches still land financially.

Keisuke Itagaki’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artists:- Keisuke Itagaki
  • Manga:- Baki The Grappler
  • Net Worth:- $5 Million

George Morikawa

Every Manga by Jyoji "George" Morikawa (Hajime no Ippo)Every Manga by Jyoji "George" Morikawa (Hajime no Ippo)

Boxing, perseverance, and 100+ million copies sold. Hajime no Ippo refuses to end, and neither does Morikawa’s relevance. Slow burns apparently pay off—especially over multiple decades.

George Morikawa’s Net Worth in 2026

  • Manga artists:- George Morikawa
  • Manga:- Hajime no Ippo
  • Net Worth:- $3 Million

Conclusion

In 2026, manga isn’t just storytelling—it’s serious money. These creators didn’t chase trends; they became them. From pirates and ninjas to titans and boxers, each name on this list proves that imagination, persistence, and global fandom can turn a pen into a fortune.

So the next time someone asks who the richest manga artist is, just smile—because Japan has plenty, and they’re still drawing their way to the top.


Karishma Singh

Karishma is an LL.B graduate passionate about writing content on anime and loves to explore many contents relating to different niches. She loves playing games, reading novels, writing articles, and watching anime in her spare time.

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